Why Leeds?
Leeds has the oldest running commercial railway in the world
Established in 1758, the Middleton Railway holds the distinction of being the world's oldest continuously working railway. It was originally built to transport coal from the Middleton Colliery to the thriving markets of Leeds.
Step into Leeds'fascinating history, filled with the magic and splendor of a bygone era. Explore the industrial past, where the heritage of steam and coal comes alive with every chuff and whistle.
CAFÉS and Tea Rooms
My favourite cafés and Tea rooms in Leeds
Coffee on the Crescent
Independent café known for homemade brownies, blondies, cakes, speciality coffee, and generous sandwiches. The owner is truly passionate about coffee, stocking a wide range of beans and brewing equipment.
Address:
2 The Crescent, Hyde Park, Leeds LS6 2NW
What I like about it
A cosy neighbourhood café with passionate coffee expertise, rotating sweet treats, and occasional coffee workshops. Their tea selection is equally impressive, and the sandwiches are generous and packed with filling.
Betty's Café Tea Rooms
Traditional English tea room offering afternoon tea, handmade cakes, macarons, and premium tea. Set in the picturesque Wharfedale valley, Betty's attracts both shoppers and outdoor en thusiasts with its charming location and timeless elegance.
Address:
32 The Grv, Ilkley LS29 9EE
What I like about it
A classic Yorkshire experience known for elegant afternoon tea, attentive service, and the iconic three-tier sandwich stand. The macarons are beautiful and the tea is exceptional.
MADE
At La Bottega Milanese, it's not just about coffee; they have delicious cakes and genuine Italian food. Enjoy fresh paninis, focaccia, and authentic Italian street food, all made fresh every morning.
Address:
2 Bond Court, Leeds LS1 2JZ
What I like about it
What sets MADE apart is their mission to educate. Through their Instagram, they share the real health benefits of matcha for your body, skin and energy, reminding people that matcha isn't just a trend. The entire shop is striking, with a matcha-green exterior that you can't miss. Every drink is hand-whisked, available in different sizes, and they even serve it in a can. They also do matcha ice cream.
Nova Bakehouse
Brewing since 1860. TSUJIRI is a dessert tea house specialising in everthing MATCHA! They serve teasingly good matcha ice cream and matcha latte.
Address:
17 Ludgate Hill, Leeds LS2 7HZ
What I like about it
A matcha latte is one of my favourite drinks, and they source it directly from Japan; it's incredibly tasty. Additionally, they offer oat milk at the shop. The ice cream is exceptionally creamy and delicious. I have a particular fondness for the brownies, especially the salty caramel flavour!
Double Eleven Cafe
Independent café serving handcrafted cakes, desserts, brunch, and speciality drinks. Conveniently located right next to Mondego Outlet, the UK's first Portuguese stoneware ceramics store.
Address:
The Tank Room, Roundhouse Business Park, Wellington Rd, Leeds LS12 1DR
What I like about it
Their cake selection is unlike any chain: honey cake, pear and almond, pistachio gold, black forest gateau, plus handmade cookies in raspberry, biscoff and pistachio. Each cheesecake slice is individually hand-coated and beautifully decorated. They also have raw desserts with no gluten and no added sugar, just refined flavour.
BAKE
Creative bakery offering innovative sweet and savoury bakes made with high-quality ingredients. A nostalgic British bakery concept from the team behind Doh'hut and Things in Bread. Everything is made fresh in-house daily.
Address:
Mustard Approach, Mustard Wharf, Lockside, Leeds LS1 4EY
What I like about it
Whether sweet or savoury, every bake here is incredibly creative, with generous portions packed with quality ingredients. It's a truly innovative experience for both the eyes and the taste buds. The open-plan kitchen lets you watch the bakers at work.
Activities
Things to see & do in Leeds
Harewooud House
Harewood sits at the heart of Yorkshire, one of the Treasure Houses of England, the house was built in the 18th century and has art collections to rival the finest in the land in the setting of Yorkshire's most beautiful landscape.
Learn More
Abbey House Museum
A family-friendly museum exploring social history and childhood in Victorian era Leeds.
Learn More
Kirkstall Abbey
Kirkstall Abbey Visitor Centre tells you more about the lives of the 12th century monks and contains the touch table, a unique catalogue of images of the abbey from the 18th century to the present day.
Learn More